Ice

Chapter Twenty Two

Fin met them in the front hall at dawn. Estel was bundled in his ranger coat, and at his brothers insistence, he was dressed in warm woolen undergarments. The horses were packed and waiting out in the courtyard.

"You will be careful? I do not want to see either of you dragging the other back here, do you understand!"

Both elf and ranger smiled. "Who does that sound like, my friend," said Estel as he looked at his friend.

Elrond approached then and replied, "She has been training with me, you know. She is a very intelligent elf."

"Gandalf would like you to return within the week. We should have more information by then. Elladan and Elrohir will be monitoring the border patrols, and looking for anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps they can discover one of these nomad groups."

"Yes, ada, you tell them to be careful as well."

Elrond grasped his son by the shoulders and pulled him into a hug. "May the Valar watch over you both."

To his surprise, Legolas received the same. "No more trolls!" Elrond whispered to him. Legolas' eyes opened wide in shock.

Fin hugged them both, and then they were gone.

Both elves watched as the two friends entered the courtyard, mounted and rode on. Elrond turned to walk away, but Fin let her gaze linger until both were out of sight.

"Come, Fin, breakfast is ready."

Thank you to all the people who took the time to review. It is exciting to know that something I created is begin enjoyed by others.

This is the end of this part of the story. This story will continue in "Key", which I have already started to write. I hope to post the first part in a few days.

Jambaby